The strength of an Earthquake is measured on the Richter Scale, which is a logarithmic scale based on the energy released by the Earthquake. The effects and frequency of different sized Earthquakes are given below.

Local Effects of Earthquakes

Local Effect of
an Earthquake
Magnitude on
the Richter Scale
Number of Earthquakes
This Size per Year
Damage Nearly Total
>8.0
0.1- 2
Great Damage
>7.4
4
Serious Damage
7.0 - 7.3
15
Considerable Damage
6.2 - 6.9
100
Slight Damage
5.5 - 6.1
500
Felt by All Locals
4.9 - 5.4
1400
Felt by Many Locals
4.3 - 4.8
4800
Felt by Some Locals
3.5 -4.2
30,000
Not Felt, but Recorded
2.0 - 3.4
800,000

Source: Earth by Frank Press and Raymond Siever (page 453).

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